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7 tricks for your tech

Insider tips from technology specialists to help you get more from your tablet or smartphone.

Your gadgets are packed with powerful features to help make life easier – from secure password storage to monitoring your health while you’re on the go.

Here, technology experts reveal their top tech tricks to help you get more from your smartphone or tablet.

And remember, Barclays resident tech experts – the Digital Eagles – are here to help you get more from your technology. Book an appointment or find a Tea & Teach session near you.

1. Save passcodes securely

Did you know the in-built Notes app on Apple devices has a lock function?

Technology expert and writer David Phelan says this little-known trick can help you store your personal data such as website logins safely.

Simply write your details in a new Note, tap the ‘Share’ button (top right corner) and choose ‘Lock Note’. You’ll then need a memorable password or Touch ID to access the Note again. The same password will work for all Notes you lock.

Alternatively, try a dedicated passcode-saving app such as 1Password. The app works on both Android and Apple devices and is a simple solution for storing important information securely, says David. “You only need to remember the password that unlocks it or you can sometimes use your fingerprint,” he says.

2. Clear browsing data for top travel deals

A simple trick to get the best options for travel bookings is to reset your browsing history, says Digital Eagle Mark Cossons.

“People don’t realise that sometimes flight prices change if you’ve been searching for them before on the same network. Whether you’re looking to book holidays, hotels or flights, clearing your web history and browsing data could help you get the best deals available,” says Mark.

“Whether you’re on a trip abroad or at a grandchild’s school concert, taking photos while you’re recording video helps you save memories. And it’s a simple thing to do whether you have an Android or Apple device,” says David.

To use the function on an iPhone, tap the white shutter button on your screen while videoing. On an Android, tap the camera button while videoing.

4. Freeze cards remotely

If you think you’ve lost your card, the Barclays app has an in-built solution to help, says Digital Eagle Kerry Umoh.

“We get a lot of customers who think they’ve lost their card but it may just be at home or in the car. Instead of blocking it, you can use the ‘Temporary Freeze’ feature. Easy!”

If you find your card, you can then turn ‘Temporary freeze’ off. This means you don’t have to cancel your card and wait for a replacement. Don’t forget you can also call us using the ‘Direct Call’ function within the app, which helps you fast-track security.

If you don’t have the app, download it here. You can contact us in a number of ways to report a lost or stolen card. Find out more here.

You must be 16 or over and have a Barclays current account to use the Barclays app. Terms and conditions apply.

5. Monitor your health

Don’t have a fitness tracker? No sweat. Your phone can track vitals such as your heart rate with the help of an app, says David.

With health app Instant Heart Rate, you can monitor your heart rate by placing a finger on your phone’s camera. The app is available on both Android and Apple.

Alternatively, in-built apps (such as Apple’s Health) allow you to do everything from monitoring nutrition and sleep to counting your steps.

6. Save websites as PDFs

Spotted an interesting article while you’re out and about that you don’t have time to read? There’s an easy way to save it for later, says David.

With an Apple device, you need to have the free iOS app iBooks installed. Once it’s installed, just tap ‘Share’ (the box and arrow symbol at the bottom of your browser) and then ‘Save PDF to iBooks’. To find it again, you simply need to open the app.

If you have an Android device, the steps you need to take will differ depending on which browser you use. For example, if you’re using Chrome, tap the triple dot menu button in the top-right corner of the website and then tap: Share > Print > Save as PDF.

“If I’m out to dinner, in a taxi or on holiday with friends, Pingit makes it easy to split the bill or pay people back,” says Kerry.

Pingit is an app by Barclays designed for iOS and Android phones that offers mobile payments. And you don’t have to be a Barclays customer to use it. The app simply links your mobile number with your bank account so that you can ping payments to friends, family and businesses. You can also send money fee-free internationally and donate to charity.

Stay safe using your tech

Whenever you’re using technology, make sure to protect yourself from scams.

“Scammers create emotional or time pressure to make you act quickly, so you don’t have time to think.”

Before you make a payment, take some time to talk it over with someone you trust – friends, family or Barclays. Getting an impartial view means you’ll get an unbiased opinion from someone who isn’t involved with the payment, says Ross.

“Remember, you can always drop in to a Barclays branch to speak to a Digital Eagle. Even if you don’t have a question, we can give you tips on how to look out for scams.”

Pingit

Important information

You must have a Barclays or Barclaycard account, have a mobile number and be aged 16 or over to use the Barclays app. Terms and conditions apply.

Pingit is available for people aged 16 and over, who have a current account and a mobile phone registered in the UK, Jersey, Guernsey or Isle of Man. It’s also available for businesses operating in the UK only. You may need to visit a Barclays branch with forms of ID in order to register.